Battery Disconnect?

[reubenray374]

Should I still turn this off when I put the trailer in storage if I have a solar power setup? I had trouble today getting the hitch disconnected from the truck and I was concerned that I would run the battery down. I ended up plugging the trailer back into the truck until I got the hitch disconnected.

[Reverse_snowbird]

I think it depends on where you're storing the rig. If you're parking it outside where it will be in the sun and charge the batteries, then it should charge your batteries. If you're parking it in a covered area, then you probably should disconnect the batteries.
However, you might want to check on the Forest River Owners site to see what they recommend for your particular model. https://www.forestriverinc.com/Owners/

[reubenray374]

It is parked outside.

[jimmarako]

My thought would be that there is no reason not to disconnect the battery, solar or otherwise. A stretch, but what if you leave the battery on and something goes flacky with your solar setup? Then you come back 4 weeks later and find a dead battery. I'd just disconnect. The solar should go straight to the battery so it would still charge/top off while in storage.

Jim M.

[reubenray374]

Originally Posted by jimmarako

My thought would be that there is no reason not to disconnect the battery, solar or otherwise. A stretch, but what if you leave the battery on and something goes flacky with your solar setup? Then you come back 4 weeks later and find a dead battery. I'd just disconnect. The solar should go straight to the battery so it would still charge/top off while in storage.

Jim M.

My question should have been will the solar continue to charge the battery if the battery disconnect is turned off?

[5picker]

Originally Posted by reubenray374

My question should have been will the solar continue to charge the battery if the battery disconnect is turned off?

Depends...
My solar controller connects directly to the battery.

The battery disconnect switch has no bearing on the solar panel providing a charge to the battery.

You'll need to know how YOURS is connected.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Depends...
My solar controller connects directly to the battery.

The battery disconnect switch has no bearing on the solar panel providing a charge to the battery.

You'll need to know how YOURS is connected.

X2. Ours works in our motorhome, but it can vary by make and model.
Grab a digital meter and measure your batteries with and without battery disconnect.